Translation guide
Sushi is a Japanese dish of vinegared rice combined with various ingredients, primarily seafood. In Japanese, the word 寿司 (すし) refers to this dish, but there are many specific types and related terms. This guide covers how to talk about sushi naturally in Japanese.
sushi
Referring to the dish sushi as a general concept or category.
The standard word for sushi. Can be used in almost any context.
Would you like to go eat sushi tonight?
I love sushi.
Polite form with honorific prefix お. Commonly used in polite conversation or when referring to sushi in a respectful manner.
I had some sushi. (polite)
Referring to particular styles or forms of sushi, such as nigiri, maki, etc.
Hand-pressed sushi, the most iconic type with a slice of fish on top of rice.
One order of nigiri sushi, please.
Rolled sushi, typically with rice and fillings wrapped in nori seaweed.
Scattered sushi, a bowl of sushi rice topped with various ingredients.
Pressed sushi, made by pressing layers of rice and toppings in a mold. A specialty of Osaka and other regions.
Referring to the fish or other toppings used on sushi.
Referring specifically to the vinegared rice used in sushi.
Referring to a place where sushi is served, especially a traditional sushi bar.
Sushi restaurant or sushi shop. A general term for any place that serves sushi.
That sushi restaurant is always crowded.
Alternative kanji for sushi restaurant, often used for high-end or traditional establishments.
Counter, often used to refer to the sushi bar seating area.
Referring to the person who makes sushi.
Phrases and patterns for ordering sushi in a restaurant.
Please give me ~. Standard way to order.
Tuna, please.
Two pieces of salmon, please.
~ please. A polite way to order.
Omakase (chef's choice), please.
How to count pieces of sushi.
Counter for pieces of sushi (nigiri).
Three pieces of shrimp, please.
Generic counter for items, can be used for sushi pieces in casual settings.
Two tuna, please. (casual)
Sushi (寿司) always includes vinegared rice. Sashimi (刺身) is sliced raw fish without rice. Don't confuse them.
In English, 'sushi' is sometimes used loosely for any raw fish dish. In Japanese, sushi specifically refers to the combination of rice and topping. If you want just raw fish, ask for 刺身 (さしみ).
巻き寿司を作りましょう。
Let's make rolled sushi.
ちらし寿司は彩りがきれいですね。
Chirashi sushi is so colorful, isn't it?
大阪の押し寿司は有名です。
Osaka's pressed sushi is famous.
The topping is fresh, isn't it?
Please teach me how to make sushi rice.
I trained at a long-established sushi restaurant.
カウンター席でお願いします。
Counter seats, please.
板前さんに今日のおすすめを聞いてみよう。
Let's ask the chef for today's recommendation.